TY - JOUR
T1 - The Science of Selection
T2 - Using Best Practices From Industry to Improve Success in Surgery Training
AU - Gardner, Aimee K.
AU - Grantcharov, Teodor
AU - Dunkin, Brian J.
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - Background: The selection of high-quality applicants is critical to the future of surgery. However, it is unclear if current practices meet industry criteria of a successful selection system, as measured by administrative efficiency and performance and attrition of those selected. Methods: We performed a modified systematic review process to gain an understanding of current selection processes, remediation practices, and attrition rates in surgery residency training programs in the United States. We also conducted semistructured interviews with local residency program directors and coordinators to obtain a specific snapshot of the amount of time and resources dedicated to these activities in various sized programs. The associated financial costs of these activities are also presented. Results: The administrative costs for current residency selection processes are substantial, ranging from $45,000 to $148,000 for each program per year. Approximately 30% of residents require at least 1 remediation intervention, costing programs $3400 to $5300 per episode, and typically involve concerns around nontechnical skills. Attrition rates range from 20% to 40%. Conclusions: This review suggests that additional methodologies may allow surgery residency programs to identify best-fit candidates more efficiently and effectively, while also decreasing remediation and attrition rates. Possible solutions include incorporation of structured interviews, personality inventories, and situational judgment tests. Resources dedicated to current interview practices, remediation efforts, and attrition management can be redirected to support these methodologies. By applying the science of selection and assessment to the recruitment process, programs may be able to make more data-driven decisions to identify candidates who will be successful at their institution.
AB - Background: The selection of high-quality applicants is critical to the future of surgery. However, it is unclear if current practices meet industry criteria of a successful selection system, as measured by administrative efficiency and performance and attrition of those selected. Methods: We performed a modified systematic review process to gain an understanding of current selection processes, remediation practices, and attrition rates in surgery residency training programs in the United States. We also conducted semistructured interviews with local residency program directors and coordinators to obtain a specific snapshot of the amount of time and resources dedicated to these activities in various sized programs. The associated financial costs of these activities are also presented. Results: The administrative costs for current residency selection processes are substantial, ranging from $45,000 to $148,000 for each program per year. Approximately 30% of residents require at least 1 remediation intervention, costing programs $3400 to $5300 per episode, and typically involve concerns around nontechnical skills. Attrition rates range from 20% to 40%. Conclusions: This review suggests that additional methodologies may allow surgery residency programs to identify best-fit candidates more efficiently and effectively, while also decreasing remediation and attrition rates. Possible solutions include incorporation of structured interviews, personality inventories, and situational judgment tests. Resources dedicated to current interview practices, remediation efforts, and attrition management can be redirected to support these methodologies. By applying the science of selection and assessment to the recruitment process, programs may be able to make more data-driven decisions to identify candidates who will be successful at their institution.
KW - Applicants
KW - Attrition
KW - Cost
KW - Practice Based Learning & Improvement
KW - Recruitment
KW - Remediation
KW - Selection
KW - Systems-Based Practice
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jsurg.2017.07.010
DO - 10.1016/j.jsurg.2017.07.010
M3 - Article
C2 - 28751186
AN - SCOPUS:85025443357
SN - 1931-7204
JO - Journal of Surgical Education
JF - Journal of Surgical Education
ER -